North West Court of Appeal Opens Its Doors to Women Seeking Justice Ahead of International Women’s Day

Report: Wirngo Peter Tardzenyuy

In a move aimed at bridging the gap between legal rights and everyday realities, the North West Court of Appeal in Bamenda has organized an Open Door workshop bringing women face-to-face with judicial authorities ahead of the celebration of International Women’s Day.

The initiative transformed the usually formal courtroom into a platform for dialogue where women, civil society actors and public officials discussed the legal challenges many women continue to face despite the protections provided by the Cameroon law.

The workshop forms part of activities marking the 41st International Women’s Day under the theme “Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls.” Judicial authorities used the occasion to emphasize that the effectiveness of laws protecting women depends largely on awareness, accessibility and proper enforcement.

The event drew several high-level personalities including the representative of the Governor of the North West Region, the President of the Administrative Court, the Procureur General and the President of the Court of Appeal, who hosted the gathering.

In her opening remarks, the President of the Court of Appeal underscored that the fight for women’s rights is inseparable from the broader quest for justice in society.

Throughout the session, magistrates and legal experts led presentations on issues ranging from gender-based violence and access to justice to women’s rights in family matters such as child custody, inheritance and marital disputes. Discussions also touched on the situation of female detainees and the challenges they face within the penitentiary system.

Regional delegates from the Ministries of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Social Affairs and Penitentiary Administration, alongside members of the Cameroon Bar Council, also contributed to the exchanges.

One of the most engaging segments of the workshop was the interactive question-and-answer session, which allowed women in attendance to directly seek clarification from magistrates and legal professionals on issues affecting their rights.

Judicial officials say the initiative is part of broader efforts to demystify the justice system and encourage women to confidently seek legal redress when their rights are violated.

As the region joins the rest of the world to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, authorities at the Court of Appeal insist that the real celebration of women will be measured not only in speeches but in concrete action to ensure that justice is accessible to every woman and girl.

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